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You've decided that you'd like to play in a band. You play your instrument well, and the prospect of performing on stage with other like-minded people and actually getting paid for it is too exciting to pass up. From deep within, you've received an unexplained, intuitive message to give it a shot. Perhaps you dream of seeing your name among the elite; such as Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, or for that matter; Tim McGraw. Regardless of preferred genre, you want to make music, and that's what matters. So where do you start? Obviously, the first step is finding others who share your desire.

I'm going to be up front here: This is often the most difficult part of the process. You must make others aware of your intentions by advertising or by word-of mouth. If we had heard the term, "World Wide Web" back in my day during the 1970's, we would have assumed that some type of aggressive spider had stumbled onto radioactive waste, grown to epic proportions, and now had the entire planet at its mercy; engulfed in a super-sized mesh. Today, of course, we're talking about the Internet, which is a good starting point to get your message out. The old-fashioned way works, too. Run an inexpensive classified ad in your local newspaper. A trick many musicians use is to place it under Musical Instruments For Sale instead of general employment.Believe it or not, this grabs more attention. Place advertisements in appropriate music stores. If you wish to play in a conventional band that uses standard instruments such as guitars, drums, bass, and keyboards, it doesn't make sense to advertise in an establishment that caters to violinists in the local symphony. Likewise, the clientele in a place exclusive to pianos and organs will consist mostly of church organists, families looking for living-room pianos, or old women who want to play songs like "Down in the Valley" in retirement homes. In other words, it's a safe bet that these people aren't going to be into Godsmack or Saliva.

Ask around. Somebody you know may be acquainted with other musicians. If you are in school, advertise on their bulletin boards as well. Above all, when advertising, make sure that the recipient will know exactly what the type of band or members is that you seek. If you wish to put together a country band, for example; specify that to avoid auditioning guitarists into speed metal.

Once you have some auditions lined up, it's now time to begin the process of elimination. Some respondent may aspire to be the next Eddie Van Halen yet have the talent of an 8-year-old that has had exactly one guitar lesson. Someone else may only be able to practice every third Thursday. Another person may show up strung out on drugs or be so drunk that they can barely stand; let alone play. These types need to be weeded out of the equation.

Persistence pays off. Eventually, you will find three or four other people who are on the same page. The rest is up to you and dependent on fate itself.

Learn more about this author, Patrick Sills.
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